Feature

METRO

By Stanley Onyekwere

The graduating class of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, of the Department of Political Science 1998/99 Academic Session has unveiled a Forum known as FCT ABU U93PS/IS Forum, to among other objectives foster social welfare needs of members, and serve as catalyst for contributing to good governance and development in Nigeria.

Gov’t declares resolve to eradicate illiteracy

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Permanent Secretary for FCT Administration, Olusade Adesola has declared that the government will stop at nothing in eradicating illiteracy especially in all the rural areas of the nation’s capital.

He made the assertion during a recent fiesta organised by FCT Department of Mass Education in Karu, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)

Adesola, who was represented by Faseyi Nathaniel explained that the department, which is saddled with the responsibility of making sure that people at all levels know how to read and write will always be supported to do more.

He however, commended the efforts of the current director of the Department, Titilayo Alayande for her innovations that had repositioned all the centres across the Six Area Councils.

He noted that a better future could only be achieved when people get the requisite knowledge, which he said FCT Department of Mass Education was driving the programme well.

ABU Alumni unveils forum to foster self-reliance, good governance

Also, the Forum advocates for regular awareness on health issues creating platform for checking health vitals as well as engaging in regular physical exercises.

It was also gathered that the Abuja Forum, which comprises of the Alumni from the Political Science and International Studies branches of the Department was officially inaugurated Tuesday, at a reunion meeting held in Abuja, with about 15 members of the class in attendance during the inauguration.

One of the Conveners of the meeting, Mr. Olayemi Salako enjoined members to embrace social networking for capacity building and self development.

However, during the inauguration of the Group’s pioneer Executives, two officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration namely; Mr. Fatai A. Bello, Chief Administrative Officer with the Department of Reform Coordination & Service Improvement, and Mr. Kenechukwu Ike, Assistant Director with the Health & Human Services Secretariat emerged as Chairman and Public Relations Officer (PRO) respectively.

Other members of the Exco include: Mr. Lawrence Odidi of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency as Secretary; Dr. Bala Mohammed of the ICPC as Treasurer and Mrs. Toyin Sulyman-Peters of National Assembly as Welfare Secretary.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the Executive members, Bello thanked his colleagues for the confidence reposed on the pioneer Executive and promised to work to achieving the objectives of the Forum.

He called on members to massively embark on mobilisation of other members of the class residents in Abuja to join hands with the Officials towards the overall goals of the newly inaugurated FCT ABU U93PS/IS Forum.

Insecurity: FCT Minister reiterates support for Police

By Stanley Onyekwere

In the wake of the seemingly prevailing insecurity , the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has pledged the support of the FCT Administration to the FCT command of the Nigeria Police, in the discharge of its responsibility of securing the Territory. Bello made this pledge when he received the new FCT Police Commissioner (CP), Dr Idris Abubakar Sadiq, who paid a courtesy visit to the Minister.

According to a statement from Director Of Press, FCTA, Anthony Ogunleye, the Minister noted that the new CP was coming to the FCT with immense experience in policing and also some experience in the FCT Command having begun his career in the police force in the FCT.

“He expressed optimism that the new CP will build upon the successes of his predecessors saying that all of them had contributed immensely in building the FCT Command to what it is today.

“He prayed that God will grant the new CP success in the Command, as well as the cooperation of his men”, the statement read.

It further added that earlier in his remarks, the CP commended the FCT Minister for all the support the FCT Administration had rendered to the FCT Police Command and revealed that the command will evolve new strategies to further secure the nation’s capital.

He also pledged the loyalty of the Command to the FCT Administration and emphasized the readiness of the officers and men to diligently carry out their duties.

The new CP said: “I wish to assure the Hon. Minister of our loyalty and our readiness and commitment to duty and to emphasize that we shall continue to do our best and I am sure with the support of the Hon Minister, which he has been giving, and what we may enjoy again, it will make our job easy”.

He also pledged to ensure that the officers and men of the Command live above board and do what is expected of them saying that being the nation’s capital, Nigeria will largely be perceived by the international community with the happenings in the FCT.

Also present at the meeting were the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir MaiBornu, the Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, Hon Abdullahi Adamu Candido, and Director of Security, FCTA, Adamu Gwary.

Other are : the Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Minister, Amb. Abu Salihu Mohammed, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Nurudeen Sabo and Deputy Commissioner (CID), Ahmed Musa, with other police officers and senior officials of the FCTA.